Plug-in solar rules in the UK, in plain English
What's legal, which kits count, how to plug in, who you need permission from, and the one step everyone has to do afterwards. Every rule comes from the government, Ofgem, the Energy Saving Trust or a network operator.
In England, Scotland and Wales. Not yet in Northern Ireland.
GOV.UK, Energy Saving TrustThe most a kit can feed into your home.
DESNZ, OfgemOnly one plug-in device per property.
Ofgem, Energy Saving TrustOnly kits on the official ENA register are compliant.
DESNZ, Energy Saving TrustStraight into a socket. No extension leads.
Energy Saving Trust, Electricity North WestA legal requirement, done online at myplugin.solar.
Energy Saving Trust, Electricity North WestWhere it's legal
- Plug-in solar became legal to buy and use in England, Scotland and Wales on 27 August 2026.GOV.UK
- The Energy Saving Trust says plug-in solar panels aren't currently permitted in Northern Ireland.Energy Saving Trust
The kit
- It must be on the Energy Networks Association's register and marked compliant. Check our copy of the list (121 approved kits).DESNZ, Energy Saving Trust, Electricity North West
- It can feed in at most 800W.DESNZ, Ofgem
- Kits with built-in batteries aren't covered by these rules yet. The government is still considering them.DESNZ
One per home
- You can connect one plug-in solar device per property.Ofgem, Energy Saving Trust
- The government plans to allow one per circuit later, once the network connection rule (G98) is changed. No date has been set.DESNZ
Plugging in
- Plug it straight into a wall socket. Extension leads aren't allowed.Energy Saving Trust, Electricity North West
- Use a socket on a circuit that doesn't also power lights or hard-wired appliances such as a boiler or cooker.Energy Saving Trust
- Your fuse box (consumer unit) should have RCD, RCBO or MCB switches. If it has old rewireable fuses, don't install the panels.Energy Saving Trust, DESNZ
- Test the circuit protection every six months.Energy Saving Trust
- An outdoor socket should be fitted by a qualified electrician and rated at least IP65.Energy Saving Trust
Registering it
- Registering your kit is a legal requirement. It's done online at myplugin.solar, run by the Energy Networks Association. How to registerEnergy Saving Trust, Electricity North West
- Ofgem's rules also ask you to tell your network operator when you remove a kit.Ofgem
Permission
- If you rent or own a leasehold flat, get consent from your landlord, freeholder or building manager first, especially for drilling or an outdoor socket.Energy Saving Trust, GOV.UK
- In England, permitted development rights for houses cover plug-in solar, but not fixing it to wooden structures or cladding, because of the fire risk.Energy Saving Trust, Planning Portal
- In Scotland and Wales, check your local planning rules.Energy Saving Trust
- Listed building or conservation area? Check with your council first.Energy Saving Trust, GOV.UK
- Check whether your home insurance covers outdoor equipment.Energy Saving Trust
Common questions
Can I use an extension lead with a plug-in solar panel?
No. The Energy Saving Trust and Electricity North West both say to plug it straight into a wall socket. No extension leads.
Can I have two plug-in solar kits?
No. Ofgem's rule allows one plug-in device per home, and the Energy Saving Trust says the same. The government plans to allow one per circuit later, once the network rules are changed.
Is plug-in solar allowed in Northern Ireland?
Not yet. The Energy Saving Trust says plug-in solar panels aren't currently permitted for use in Northern Ireland.
Do I need planning permission for plug-in solar?
In England, permitted development rights for houses now cover plug-in solar, but not fixing it to wooden structures or cladding. In Scotland and Wales, check your local rules. Listed buildings and conservation areas need a check with your council.
Can I put plug-in solar on a rented flat?
Only with permission. The Energy Saving Trust says tenants and leaseholders should get consent from the landlord, freeholder or building manager, especially for drilling or an outdoor socket.
More guides
Sources
- GOV.UK: Households can save as plug-in solar panels come to market (26 August 2026)
- DESNZ: Plug-in solar regulatory framework, government response (July 2026)
- Ofgem: decision to approve DCRP/MP/26/02, G98 amendment for plug-in microgeneration (11 August 2026)
- Energy Saving Trust: plug-in solar panel checklist
- Electricity North West: plug-in solar
- Planning Portal: changes to permitted development rules for domestic solar installations (28 August 2026)
- Energy Networks Association: Type Test Register, plug-in solar devices
Checked 13 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@socketpanel.co.uk. How we check